‘Hinduism ‘can best be defined as a set of ideas and practices of the upper, so-called twice-born castes that are based on the interpretation of the ancient Vedas and auxiliary textual traditions by Brahman priests.’

Both groups - and women, too - were prohibited from hearing the Veda and denied initiation into twice-born status (and the wearing of the sacred thread).

Such a Guru, when conferring knowledge of self and making one twice-born, opens the door and enables one to see the transcendental form of God within.